The cost of buying in Travis Heights, from high to low

What does it cost to buy a home in Travis Heights right now?

In an ongoing series with Curbed Austin, real-estate analytics site NeighborhoodX takes a close look at the range of sales asking prices in the area, ranked by cost per square foot, to find out.

Travis Heights is a long-established South Austin neighborhood that over the years has gone from a collection of mostly smallish houses with ridiculously low rent and sales prices to a tonier—but still quirky—mix.

Some are the same houses with upscale renovations (at much higher prices), while others are newer, larger single-family infill. Its gorgeous canopy of oaks and other mature foliage, its still-friendly vibe, and its prime location make it perennially attractive.

Travis Heights is bordered on the north by Lady Bird Lake and on the south by East Oltorf Street, with South Congress Avenue and I-35 making up its western and eastern borders, respectively.

The current average listing price is $342 per square foot, but the individual properties behind that average range from $222/square foot (1504 Alta Vista Avenue, a large 2007 house asking $1.1 million) to $541/square foot (2115 1/2 Brackenridge Street, an unbuilt single family home marketed for $1.25 million).

"Our analysis looks at market-rate properties and excludes foreclosures, short sales, and properties primarily positioned as development sites," explains NeighborhoodX co-founder Constantine Valhouli.

* "Our analysis excludes two properties which appear to be driven by redevelopment or land value rather than the existing built square footage," said Valhouli. The excluded properties are 210 Academy Drive. (on the surface, asking $1,365/sq.ft. until you look more closely) and 1503-1505 Drake Ave. (several bungalows on 3.5 lots, and asking more - at first glance - per square foot than the new construction at 2115 1/2 Brackenridge).